Willy Loc: Alaska

Greetings folks,
How does the video quality compare between a P&S with full HD video capabilities and a digital video camcorder?
The reason I ask is because my friend is about to become a grandmother any day now and Christmas is approaching...
I know there are pros & cons to both options but I don't have any experience with camcorders. I tend to think the P&S would be more versatile but I'm not sold on either option just yet. Some camcorders can capture still jpg's. Most P&S's have full HD video...
I'd like to keep the price around the $250.00 range.
Thanks in advance for your input & suggestions!

Pictxterowner 3 D sbs

I had to choose DSLR or Camcorder.
If by P&S you mean 'less' then DSLR my Fujifilm Fine Pix is not! as good as a camcorder in Quality HD Video.

Making Full HD videos longer then 5 minutes is a nightmare with DSLR though he Quality
I think is superior short term.

Camcorder SONY $199 beat hands down in the field of HD video production.
Though I wish I'd spent one more bill now.
It does produces a fine HD video and will record for a very long time dependably.
However the still photo capability during recording is 'unacceptable' period.
A DSLR will take a wonderful photo while shooting short term videos.

Fresh, large SD cards and battery's will not prevent DSLRs from shutting down during Full HD video recording.

birdseyeview Loc: Indiana

I have a Sony HDR-CX190 and a Nikon D7000 and have done video on both.
The Sony is 1080p so the Images are of extreme high quality. it records to SD cards, is light weight, small and easy to carry. It even has steady shot so if you can hold semi still you will get vids that are great without the wobble of hand held. I hold it in my right hand and steady with my left hand on the view screen and get shots that on a 50" big screen look like a tv program should.
I used it on a fishing trip to lake Erie on a very rough day
and was very happy with how well it handled the waves!
with a DSLR it's heavy and you will hear the camera focus working when you pan because the microphone is so close to the lens.
I think the Sony must have a different way of focusing
because you don't get the focusing noises and the audio is great.
Hope this helps...

Cracktower Loc: New Jersey

Why people are talking about dslr is beyond me. I have a canon 110hs and I like the video that comes out of it. But it's kind of small. If you need to choose between the two get a camcorder for the price